Press Release: Community Grant Opportunities for Arts and Culture and Community Services Projects

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 4:04 PM

The City of Benicia is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Community Grants Program, aimed at supporting innovative and impactful community projects. This grant opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations seeking funding to bring their ideas to life and make a positive difference in Benicia.

The goals of the Community Grants Program are to create community benefits in the areas of Arts and Culture and Community Services (previously called Human Services). The Arts and Culture-related grants provide funding and support to organizations and projects that promote, create, or sustain artistic endeavors. These grants are designed to encourage creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and make the arts accessible to diverse audiences. Community Services grants focus on “Safety Net” programs designed to provide support and protection to individuals and families facing economic hardship, health crises, or other vulnerabilities. These programs aim to reduce poverty, promote stability, and ensure access to basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and income security. Grants will be awarded to selected projects that align with the program's mission and demonstrate a clear plan for impact and sustainability

Key Details and Dates:

Grant Period: The Program spans the City’s fiscal cycle for two consecutive fiscal years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026; and July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) with one disbursement per year.
Mandatory Information Session/Training: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 3:30-5:30 p.m., via Zoom. At least one individual representing the applying organization MUST attend.
Application Opens: Thursday, January 16, 2025, the day after the mandatory training session.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Grant Amounts: Arts and Culture organizations may apply for up to $30,000 annually, for a total of up to $60,000 over the term of the 2-year grant. Community Services organizations may apply for up to $50,000 annually, for a total of up to $100,000 over the term of the 2-year grant.
Grantee Eligibility: Applicants must be registered 501(c)3 non-profit organizations based in the City of Benicia with the primary purpose of serving the Benicia community.

Staff is recommending that $175,000 annually be allocated for community services grants and $100,000 annually for arts and culture grants in the biennial budget adoption in June 2025.

“We are excited to partner with local changemakers who are passionate about improving their communities,” said Mario Giuliani, City Manager of Benicia. “Through the Community Grants Program, we hope to inspire and support creative solutions to the challenges facing our neighborhoods and to engage our residents in cultural opportunities that make Benicia such a wonderful place to live and visit.”

How to Apply

Beginning Thursday, January 16, 2025, applicants are invited to visit https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/grants for detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the application form. As noted, to be eligible to apply, organization representatives must attend a mandatory information session scheduled to be hosted online on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 3:30-5:30 p.m. The link for the Zoom meeting is posted on the website noted above. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 14, 2025.

For more information, contact: Director of Community Services, Ann Dunleavy at (707) 746-4282 or adunleavy@ci.benicia.ca.us.